Marylyn June Berry

Marylyn June Berry, 91, of Topeka, passed away on February 6, 2025 at Midland Care Hospice House.  

Marylyn June Berry, 91, of Topeka, passed away February 6, 2025, at Midland Care Hospice House.

She was born February 26, 1933, to Lawrence Earl and Nellie Florence (Swanson) Moore in Independence, Kansas, and grew up in Elk City, Kansas.

After graduating from Pittsburg State University in 1956, Marylyn taught elementary school in Topeka from 1956 through 1963.

Marylyn was married to James (Jim) Arlo Hartzell, a middle school teacher, from 1961 until his death in 1971.

Marylyn and Jim had two children, Gary Hartzell, and Mary Lynn Hartzell.

In 1976 Marylyn returned to teaching at Countryside United Methodist Nursery School. She later became director of the school until she retired in 1994.

Marylyn married Randall (Randy) Berry in 1985. They lived in Topeka, Kansas, where she enjoyed gardening, family, and the various roles she played as a member of First Christian Church. 

Marylyn is survived by her husband, Randy; son, Gary Hartzell of Denver; daughter, Mary Castaneda and husband Robert Clark of Wichita; stepdaughter, Sandra Fienhage and husband Tom of Topeka; stepdaughter, Rhonda Bower of Topeka; granddaughters, Jessica, Alyssa, and Hannah; and five great granddaughters.

Marylyn was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Moore; mother, Nellie Moore; brothers, Lawrence Moore, Jr. and Jim Moore; and her first husband, Jim Hartzell. 

Memorial gathering will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in Unity Hall at First Christian Church, 1880 SW Gage Blvd., Topeka, Kansas 55504.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Midland Care Hospice, 200 SW Fraizer Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606.

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